Share this article

He said: ‘He was trying to negotiate the freedom of the children in order for him to be taken as a hostage.

’Some had managed to save their lives, but unfortunately he, and others, did not.

’It
was a heroic and brave act - a true reflection of his soul. He was a
wonderful person who always went out of his way, beyond the call of
duty, to help others.’

Scroll down for video

Murdered: Mitul Shah, pictured with wife Rupal Shah and daughter Sarai, was unable to get through to the gunmen and was shot alongside several children in the Kenyan tragedy

Tribute: Mr Shah's employer and colleagues spoke of their grief at his loss, praising him as a 'born leader and an inspiring soul loved by one and all¿

The body of 38-year-old Mitul Shah lies in the main hall of the Oshwal Community Centre in Westlands nearby to the Westgate Shopping Centre where hundreds of mourners and well-wishers come to pay their last respects

He said that, like his family, everyone at the company was grieving his death.

He said: ‘We are anguished and
shell-shocked at the turn of events. The tragic loss of our colleague
and brother has created a vacuum in our heart as much as it has in our
organisation.

‘All employees
who have known him for long and short periods concur that he was an
immensely effective leader, easy to get along with - on a personal
level, very caring and concerned and on a professional level, highly
dedicated and motivated.

’He was highly talented and has enriched the lives of everyone he has come across.

’It
is a big, very big loss -not just for the family or for Bidco but for
Kenya also as he loved this country with great passion and fervour.’

Men were said to have been castrated and had fingers removed with pliers before being blinded and hanged

Their story: Portia Walton runs for the safety of Kenya mall hero Abdul Haji. The Waltons have now shared their harrowing tale, giving backstory to this now-iconic photo

Terrifying: Katherine Walton, left, is an American living in Kenya who was at the Westgate mall last Saturday with her five kids when the siege occurred. They got out alive with the help of Haji

The company said in a statement: ‘Bidco is grieved to announce the sad and untimely demise of Mr Mitul Shah.

'He was among the first casualties of the Westgate Siege - losing his life in the first bout of attack, presumably killed while trying to protect some children who were assembled to participate or witness a cooking challenge.’

He had helped the firm win a number of industry awards and was also an accomplished sportsman, the company said.

He had taken part in endurance races, swimathons and had climbed both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

‘He was young, dynamic, enterprising,
hardworking & well focused person as well as the youngest team
leader in Bidco, ‘the statement added.

The avid Manchester United fan was also president of the company's football team.

Yesterday, soldiers and doctors who were among the first people into the mall after it was reclaimed on Tuesday, spoke of the horrifying scenes inside

Bomb disposal experts with sniffer dogs were yesterday painstakingly combing the part of the building still standing for explosives before clearing forensic officers, police and troops to search for bodies

The collapse happened on Monday when government troops launched a massive assault on the mall where up to 150 people are thought to have been killed

Work colleagues paid tribute to Mr Shah on the internet.

One, named Alkane, wrote: ‘He is a real hero and had an option to run away but he opted to become a saviour of kids without wasting a second.

‘This says it all about Mitul. I salute him for his decision. I am very much thankful to God that I had an opportunity to spend time with such great soul.’

Mr Shah's workmate Roberts Libosso said: ‘He touched every one of us through his warm affection and sensitivity coupled with brilliant leadership skills.

’Mr Shah was a born leader - the circumstances surrounding his death fit the above qualities because he was concerned about the lives of the children whom he could not leave behind.’

A third friend, Sarah Njeru, said: ‘I cannot even begin to describe the loss, the sadness, the love, the hole in our heart.

‘I want to see my office extension screen say 'Mitul calling' but I can't. We will forever cherish you. Rest In Peace boss.’